GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 24204-2 Bar and Stud Assembly
    • J 36850 Transjel® Lubricant
    • J 44530 Piston Spring Compressor

    Object Number: 1216965  Size: SH
  1. Position the transmission case so that the front of the case is facing up.
  2. Important: Do not reuse the old 3rd, 5th, and reverse clutch piston assembly. Install a new 3rd, 5th, and reverse clutch piston assembly.

  3. Apply J 36850 to the inside diameter and outside diameter of the new 3rd, 5th, and reverse clutch piston assembly (1).
  4. Align the new 3rd, 5th, and reverse clutch piston assembly (1) with the transmission case so that the seal is facing down and the 1.016 mm (0.040 in) lubrication/cooling orifice is at the top of the transmission case.
  5. Install the 3rd, 5th, and reverse clutch piston assembly.
  6. Gently tap the piston until the piston seats.

  7. Object Number: 1660836  Size: SH

    Important: The spring assemblies can be reused. If required, squeeze the spring assembly tabs with pliers to make sure the spring assemblies are retained to the spring plate. When correctly adjusted, the piston return spring assemblies snap into place.

  8. Install 3 piston return spring assemblies (1) onto the 3rd, 5th, and reverse spring plate (2).

  9. Object Number: 1216960  Size: SH
  10. Align the 3rd, 5th and reverse spring plate (4) and piston return spring assemblies (3) so that the spring assemblies face up.
  11. Install the spring plate (4) into the transmission case.
  12. Starting with a 3rd, 5th, and reverse clutch fiber plate, alternately install four 3rd, 5th, and reverse clutch fiber plates (1) and three 3rd, 5th, and reverse clutch steel plates (2) into the transmission case.

  13. Object Number: 1216962  Size: SH
  14. Align the 3rd, 5th, and reverse clutch backing plate assembly (1) with gear thrust plates (2) down.
  15. Install the 3rd, 5th, and reverse clutch backing plate assembly (1) into the transmission case.
  16. Notice: Refer to 3-5 Reverse Clutch Backing Plate Rivet Damage Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1216959  Size: SH
  17. Install J 24204-2  (1) and J 44530  (2) into the transmission case. Make sure J 44530 does not touch the gear thrust plate rivets (3) on the 3rd, 5th, and reverse clutch backing plate assembly.
  18. Compress the 3rd, 5th, and reverse piston return spring assemblies (5) until the retaining ring groove is visible.
  19. Install the retaining ring (4).
  20. Make sure the retaining ring is seated.
  21. Remove J 24204-2 and J 44530 .